An Assorted Group of Sterling Silver Bearing Monograms for John Jacob Astor IV (1864-1912) and Brooke Astor (1902-2007) and Astor Family Crests

Various American and English Makers, Dates Ranging 1830 to Early 20th Century

comprising a creamer, by Tiffany & Co., New York, New York, early 20th century, engraved with monogram, "JJA", marked to underside including "M" mark indicating directorship of John C. Moore II (1907-1947); a tablespoon in the "Olympian" pattern, by Tiffany & Co., New York, New York, late 19th century, engraved with monogram, "JJA Jr.", marked; a set of seven Elizabeth II cream soup spoons, by Cooper Bros. & Sons, Sheffield, 1954, engraved with monogram, "BA", marked; a William IV punch ladle, by Jonathan Hayne, London, 1830, bearing engraved Astor family crest in the form of a falcon, marked; and a set of three coffee spoons, by Lionel Alfred Crichton, London, 1911, bearing engraved Astor family crest in the form of a rearing lion holding star, marked.

Height 6 1/4 x width 5 1/2 x depth 2 5/8 inches (creamer), Length 13 1/4 inches (ladle), Total weight: 32.925 oz. t.

From the private collection of Brooke Astor, New YorkFrom the private collection of Brooke Astor, New York

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance:

John Jacob Astor IV and Brooke Astor,

Thence by descent within the family.

Note:

John Jacob Astor IV was born into one of the most prominent and wealthy families in U.S. His success is attributed to his many professional pursuits--inventing, writing, and business ventures such as real estate development. He built the Astoria Hotel in New York in 1897, which later became the Waldorf-Astoria through the combination of his cousin's adjoining property. He died on the RMS Titanic when it sank in 1912.

William "Vincent" Astor was the eldest child of John Jacob Astor. Following his father's death, Vincent would inherit his immense fortune, using much of this wealth to fund philanthropic causes, including reinvesting in equitable housing projects in New York. He also gifted the family home Ferncliff to the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, New York upon his death. He served on active duty in both World Wars, even loaning his yacht Nourmahal to the Coast Guard. He was married three times, including to Roberta "Brooke" Russell, who became Brooke Astor.

Aside from being known as a New York socialite, Brooke was hugely charitable, founding the Vincent Astor Foundation with her husband, an organization that supports projects specific to New York City.